Rough Ride (28 page)

They stared at each other for a moment “I um…I’m not sure how much I can really help without talking to Mr.
Reynolds and again I’m sure that another attorney who actively practices in this state would be a better choice.  I’ve passed the Florida bar exam but only because I have a vacation home along the coast.” Becca said stepping back from him.

“If you can help him I would be in your debt…” Dickie said stepping up as close to her as he could without touching her.

Tommy flung down a screwdriver and walked over to where they all stood.

“While we got you here, can you handle other cases besides criminal ones?” Tommy asked

“I um…yea I can but I typically only handle criminal cases…high profile…expensive criminal cases.” She said stepping back away from Dickie yet again.

“Look since you might have to hang around to help out Chuckie, would you mind to take a look at something for me?” Tommy asked pulling a folded piece of paper out of his back pocket and handing it to her.

Becca took the paper from Tommy and after glancing at them nervously she unfolded it and read it to herself.  After reading it she looked at Tommy and said “Is the child yours?”

All eyes switched from Becca to Tommy.  “I can’t say for sure, but it’s possible.  I was with her around that time but there were others too…”

“Were you notified that Child and Family Services were removing the child from the mother’s care?” Becca asked.

“No, this is the first I knew anything about it…her…the baby I mean.” Tommy said

“If you were listed on the birth certificate, you should have been given an opportunity to claim the child.  I would have to request access to the child’s file to determine why that didn’t happen.” Becca said “I mean… I can’t take either one of your cases.  I have to get back to New York.  I can refer you to an attorney as well Mr…?”

“McMurray… Thomas McMurray.  I don’t want another attorney either, I’m with Dickie I want you.  You’re obviously pretty good because you got Bobby out of his mess and they been gunning for him for a while.  They don’t like us leather wearing, bike riding hell raisers to much around these parts.  We aren’t exactly polite society ma’am but we’re good people and I…we could really use your help.”

Becca glanced at Dickie and humor lit her face. 
Dickie Long
…wow what a nickname.  She watched as embarrassment crept up Dickie’s face and she realized the improper implications of his nickname for the first time.  She watched as Becca began to relax her rigid stance and pristine professional attitude right before her very eyes.

“Don’t you have some vacation time coming up?” Greg asked as he shook her shoulders that he still had his arm draped across. “Lilly will be making a court appearance in a couple of days to change the venue for Mr. Brower to the State of York.  The prosecutor in charge of this whole criminal case plans to have Brower’s case tried there rather than in Florida.  That means that she will be required to travel to New York often over the next few months.  I’m sure her friends could accompany her to the comfort of your office…if that would be more comfortable for you.”

Becca gave Greg a dirty look and then sighed heavily.  “I uh…I guess I can take a look at your case Mr. Reynolds and yours as well Mr. McMurray but no promises for either one of you.” Becca said.

She tried to wrap her head around the exchange that had just taken place.  She hadn’t known that Chuck was on probation and found it hard to believe.  Even with his tattoos and foul mouth, he still seemed like the all American boy to her.  He had basically saved her life with not even a second thought.  He worked hard at the shop and was always willing to help if asked.  What could he possibly have done at such a young age to land him on probation?

Dickie’s odd behavior over Chuck’s legal troubles confused her.  As Edna seemed to be the matriarch of this bunch of hooligans, perhaps Dickie deemed himself the patriarch.  She also hadn’t missed the chemistry that seemed to flow between Dickie and Becca Waters but they both seemed oblivious to it.

Tommy had a whole other set of issues and Lilly wondered again about Gretchen.  Was history repeating itself where Tommy was concerned?  She realized that the guys’ issues bothered her as much as her own troubles with the upcoming criminal trial.  They were her friends and she couldn’t help but worry for them. 
Friends
…

They
were
her friends, probably better friends than people she’d known for more than a decade.  They hadn’t turned from her when she had needed them most and made a mockery of her troubles and shunned her because of something she couldn’t control.  On the contrary, they supported her, laughed with her, held her when she cried, protected her…saved her life!  They had become her life…this was what Sherri meant about money not being everything.  Sometimes just being there was enough.

“Have you ever been to a biker’s wedding?” Bobby asked Becca.

“No, I’m afraid I haven’t.” Becca said with a look of exasperation.

The guys all turned to Bobby. 

“Hell man, does this mean what I think it means?” Tommy asked with a smile.

“It does.  I asked and she said yes.  I had thought to sneak her off to Vegas but in light of recent events, I’m thinking someone’s trying to tell me something.  Stick to my roots… be myself… even if I am a rough ride.” He said looking meaningfully at Lilly. “So I was thinking before we leave for the Bama Bike Fest we’d plan a wedding…right here…replace bad memories at this shop with good ones.”

The guys all cheered and whistled, patting Bobby on the back. 

“I’d be honored if you would come, Ms. Waters.” Bobby said to her.

“I’m not really the motorcycle riding type but thank you anyways.” Becca said.

Glancing at Dickie and then back to Becca he said “Ok but if you change your mind the invitation stands.”  Then turning to Detective Sanders he said “Hell must be freezing over as we speak because I can’t believe I’m about to say this but my invitation extends to you too, friend.”

Detective Sanders smiled his acceptance and shook Bobby’s hand.  “You’re a lucky man.  The last one didn’t do so well by her but from what I can tell you’re good for her and good
to
her.”

“I need to call my office and move some things around so that I can meet with each of you regarding your cases.  Can I use your office?  My calls are confidential… you understand.” Becca said to Lilly.

“Of course.” She replied leading Becca over to the office door and closing it as best she could in light of the damage done to it, once Becca stepped inside.

“I don’t mean to rain on everyone’s parade but there are jobs piling up as we speak and we did cut out early on Friday…” She said.

“You’re quite the task master there Miss Lilly.” Dickie said with a smile.

The guys loafed around for a bit but eventually got busy on the jobs that she really needed them to complete by mid-week.  Feeling better that the events of the weekend wouldn’t put them even further behind schedule she turned to head out to the mailbox and came up short when Bobby intercepted her. 

Wrapping his arms around her waist he pulled her to him “I know we didn’t talk about when and where we would get married but…these guys have been a part of my life for a very long time.  They aren’t exactly the black tie kind…but if you want something more…” He started

She pressed her fingers to his lips “I’ve already been down that path once.  I told you…I choose a biker’s path.”

With that she kissed him.  It was not a gentle kiss it was rough and she meant it with all her heart.